nd There are many factors that can increase your breast cancer risk – some you can control and some that you can’t. Having multiple risk factors doesn’t mean you will get breast cancer, but all of the following can elevate your risk: Be˚Breast˚Healthy Understanding˚Breast˚Cancer˚Risk Age. Risk increases every year after age 40 Early onset of menstruation (before age 12) or late menopause (after age 55). More periods mean more exposure to estrogen hormones Dense breast tissue. More connective breast tissue also makes tumors harder to detect Family history. Having a mother, sister, or daughter, or multiple grandmothers or aunts with breast cancer increases your own risk Genetics. Inherited BRCA gene mutations affect just 1 out of every 400 women, but are more prevalent in certain ethnic groups, including Ashkenazi Jews Obesity. Being overweight or obese is especially concerning after menopause No pregnancy or first pregnancy after age 30. Hormone replacement therapy and some oral contraceptives. The combination of estrogen and progestin is more likely to increase risk when taken for more than 5 years Sedentary lifestyle. Not getting moderate exercise – or 30 minutes most days Alcohol consumption. Just 3 drinks per week increases your risk by 15% Deodorant and antiperspirant Poor diet. A diet lacking fruits, vegetables, and whole grains Preliminary studies indicate the following factors may increase breast cancer risk. These items have shown no link to breast cancer: Exposure to chemicals in food, including pesticides, antibiotics, & hormones Low vitamin D levels Exposure to light at night, primarily from night shift work Type 2 diabetes, particularly after menopause 80% of women that develop breast cancer don’t have any genetic or family history and aren’t considered high risk. El Camino Hospital recommends all women – regardless of risk level – get an annual mammogram starting at age 40. This is the best way to detect cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage. Saline or silicone breast implants Coffee and tea (caffeine) Underwire bras Hair color and dyes Abortion or miscarriage Cell phone use + Injuring or bruising your breast Milk or dairy consumption 650.940.7050